Challenges of Regulatory Oversight, Quality Testing, and Standardization within a Global Patchwork of Hemp Markets

Speaking at an Analytical Cannabis webinar in January 2022, Kim Ross, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Peak Compliance LLC, presented her talk on hemp regulation, testing and standardization.

In the 21st century we've witnessed a rapid resurgence in popularity of hemp-derived products, from textiles to tinctures, gummies, skin creams, infused beverages, and much more. The hemp 'industry' is comprised of increasingly diverse and rapidly growing sectors of manufacturing and commerce, yet remains marred by questionable legality in many parts of the globe. The high demand for and popularity of hemp-derived CBD for infused products in the US continues despite the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) position stating CBD remains illegal as an ingredient in food, dietary supplements, animal feed, or for interstate commerce. In the absence of FDA oversight, the National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) plans to introduce guidelines for hemp product quality testing to support truth-in-labeling and screen for contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. The establishment and standardization of consumer safety benchmarks for hemp-derived products will be discussed in this webinar, including an overview of current state-mandated testing for cannabis in the US and suitability of this framework for hemp quality control testing.